Month: July 2012

All Star Game 2012

Posted on by Mark Gauthier

It’s finally here. Judging from last night’s performance at the Home Run Derby, it’s going to be a slugfest. Didn’t Prince Fielder put on a clinic in hitting?

His second batting champion win was impressive. I was cheering on Jose Bautista, but I had to admit that Prince Fielder’s hitting was awesome.

Did anyone catch David Ortiz’s look of amazent at Mark Trumbo’s hitting.? It was pure awe.

I think that’s what makes the All Star game so special. I was talking about this yesterday with someone and we both agree that there is probably more relaxation in baseball and although some people find it boring, it enhances the game. A homer will always be a homer. There is something thrilling about seeing a ball crushed 400 feet. You don’t get that in other sports.

Way to go Prince!!!!!!!

—Mark

Not Bad For an Old Guy

Posted on by Mark Gauthier

The Cubs are rolling. Yes folks, that is right. Heading into the All Star break, the Cubs are looking good. Last night, the Cubs beat the Braves in an impressive win 5-1.

Anthony Rizzo notched his third home run since being called up and Alfonso Soriano didn’t look like an old guy when he threw out the mighty Chipper Jones.

Seven Wins in Nine. That’s right, I put it in capitals.

Are the Cubs where they want to be?

“When you’re 20 games under.500, you’ve obviously underachieved.” Sveum said.

Always the realist, this is the type of comment that is going to make the Cubs a better team.

next up are the Mets before we head into the All Star break.

—Mark

Happy 4th of July!

Posted on by Mark Gauthier

Happy 4th of July to everyone across our largest unprotected border! I hope everyone is celebrating in everything that makes the United States of America the great country it is today!

All right, although it was a tough loss yesterday, I think it had more to do with the inexperience of the team than anything else.  Chris Volstad has gone a long time without a win, but baseball is a funny game. Twenty games to be exact.

Everyone can talk about statistics, superstitions or win streaks, but at the end of the day it comes down to who hits the ball, who’s “seeing” the ball and pure luck.

Maybe it was the All Star selection that drove Chipper Jones to have a great night. Who knows.

It`s funny, a 10-3 drubbing can be a good thing. It`s an eye opener to what`s not working and I think the Cubs will bounce back tonight.

Don`t worry Chris, you`ll get your win.

—Mark

Four-tune’s Turning

Posted on by Mark Gauthier

Yesterday, Jeff Samardzija rebounded and guided the Cubs to their fourth win in a row. This was the first time this season that the Cubs have achieved this feat. it was a good win too.

Cubs over the Braves 4-1. I like the sound of that. I’m no fan of the Braves. Don’t ask me why, but I just don’t know. It could be that chant the fans do, but I don’t know.

Mr. Samardzija struck out eleven batters. a career high. Now, that’s what I like to see. personal achievements are what’s going to turn the fortune’s around for this skilled but young squad.

Congratulations to Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair on the All Star game vote.

Darwin Barney had a great game last night and what about Anthony Rizzo? He recorded his second home run of the season. Way to go!

Also, Luis Valbueno is proving that there is a little depth with the Cubs after taking over for injured Ian Stewart. Valbueno has 13 RBI’s so far and there’s plenty of ball left.

I think the part of what impressed me the most about yesterday’s game was the one-two punch of Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo. They’ve got chemistry.

Good Times ahead!

—Mark